Over the years, countless friends have been surprised and intrigued when I tell them that I do at least half of my grocery shopping at Aldi. Yes, I also frequent Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s (did you know they are owned by the same company that owns Aldi?), and our local Kansas City large grocery stores. But about eight years ago, I set foot in my first Aldi and have been a happy and loyal customer ever since!

A few weeks ago, though, I asked my Facebook followers what they thought of shopping at Aldi. And I was surprised when quite the heated discussion took place. People seem to have some pretty passionate opinions about Aldi! So I am fully aware that I may take a little heat for this series. But in talking with many friends about the store over the years, I have found that most reservations I hear about the store come from old rumors that aren’t true. And often, people are just iffy about going for the first time because they simply don’t know what to expect or how to navigate some of Aldi’s quirks (carts, debit cards, etc.).

I’ve been a dedicated Aldi shopper for three years now, thanks to Money Saving Mom! Prior to that, I assumed that Aldi–being a discount grocery store–sold poor quality items. I was wrong! The food quality is excellent, and the prices are WAY cheaper than most of the stores in our area (southern NJ). For example, milk is $4/gallon at most stores, but it’s only $2.50 at Aldi. Our family of 4 used to spend about $700/month on groceries, but now we spend $300/month, buying almost everything at Aldi. Love, love, LOVE that store!!

It was very interesting to read the comments. I found out several new things and I will have to check it out. One thing that interested me is that several of the commenters mentioned that the Aldi chicken breasts & tenders are the same as Tyson. I usually buy Tyson because it is hormone-free.

I have 2 Aldi stores nearby (in different towns – and counties) and the one store is consistently lower priced than the other store. I heard that the one Aldi (with the lower prices) will change their milk prices when the Ingles across the street has their milk on sale. The stores are clean and the employees friendly and helpful. I have shopped at Aldi for 20+ years and over the years their stores have greatly improved. Stores will vary across the country. I shopped at Aldi in the north for 5+ years, one in the midwest for 5 years, and the rest of the time in the southeast, and some stores were definitely better than others.

I find it pretty interesting that everyone feels Trader Joes is so great and cheap. We just got one here in Lexington, KY and I was shocked at the prices when I went in. Particularly after hearing raves about the neat items and prices I’d find. Very disappointed. Oh well, maybe its just our store?

We recently moved from North Texas and they opened several Aldis there. Didn’t really like them. Produce was much better at Sprouts and cheaper. As for other items, with coupons we get a better deal at Kroger and Tom Thumb. Really miss Spouts now though. The quality was great there as well as the prices.